As Trump threatens to repeal Obamacare, these ‘insurance godmothers’ are signing Florida Latinos up

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The article titled “As Trump Threatens to Repeal Obamacare, These ‘Insurance Godmothers’ are Signing Florida Latinos Up” sheds light on the healthcare landscape in Miami, particularly in the context of the potential impact of former President Donald Trump’s pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as “Obamacare.” Here is a paraphrased and expanded version of the text:

In a bustling Miami shopping center, the sounds of salsa music resonate as Latino residents flock to a kiosk and an office marked with signs for “Obamacare.” Their mission: to renew their health insurance plans before the year draws to a close.

This locale surrounding the mall stands out as a stronghold of support for former Democratic President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare reform, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as “Obamacare,” according to federal data. It’s worth noting that this region has witnessed a political shift in recent years, transitioning from Democratic to Republican support, with Donald Trump actively engaging Latino voters through multiple rallies and events.

Donald Trump, now considered a frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, has made it clear that he intends to reignite efforts to repeal and replace the ACA, a move that could significantly impact the region. Experts suggest that this stance might even reverse some of the GOP’s gains among South Florida’s Latino population.

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has swiftly responded to Trump’s statements regarding “Obamacare,” using them as part of a broader strategy to frame the expected rematch with Trump next year.

Odalys Arevalo, one of the managing partners of a health insurance agency catering to Spanish-speaking clients in Miami, emphasized the critical need for health insurance, regardless of political affiliation. She points out that individuals who support the Republican Party and rely on Obamacare for their health coverage would likely resist its sudden repeal.

Arevalo and her business partner, Mercy Cabrera, established enrollment centers to assist people in navigating the insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act. Interestingly, they fondly acquired the moniker “Madrinas del Obamacare,” or “Obamacare godmothers,” given their role in enrolling tens of thousands of individuals, particularly Latinos, who were drawn to the ACA’s provisions, including the prohibition of denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.

While the term “Obamacare” was initially met with hesitation by some, the women’s efforts played a crucial role in dispelling myths and misconceptions. They have since rebranded themselves as “Las Madrinas de los Seguros,” or “insurance godmothers,” reflecting their expanded portfolio of insurance plans. However, the term “Obamacare” still prominently features on their office walls and advertisements.

Across Miami, “Obamacare” is ubiquitous in advertising flags, businesses, and bus signs, underscoring its widespread use in the community. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ federal data highlights the extent of its adoption.

Notably, approximately 3.4 million Hispanics have enrolled in insurance plans through the ACA. Florida leads the way, with over 3.2 million consumers selecting plans during the previous year’s enrollment period. Miami-Dade County boasts the highest enrollment, with around 750,000 consumers, constituting more than a quarter of the total population.

Despite this substantial enrollment, Florida is among the ten states that have resisted expanding Medicaid coverage under the ACA.

Two specific zip codes, Doral and Hialeah, home to Venezuelan and Cuban communities just north of Miami, have reported the highest sign-ups. These areas are also frequent stops for Trump’s visits and rallies.

In a recent social media post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized the rising costs of Obamacare and its perceived shortcomings. While he hinted at considering alternatives, he did not provide detailed plans. Nevertheless, he affirmed his commitment to repealing the law, recalling an unsuccessful attempt in 2017 when the late Senator John McCain blocked his efforts.

During Trump’s administration, Republicans managed to reduce the penalty for not having health insurance to zero, a provision that resonated with many in South Florida and eased their concerns about the ACA.

A recent editorial in The Miami Herald described Trump’s plans, echoed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another 2024 GOP presidential contender, as out of touch with voters.

Biden’s campaign swiftly responded to Trump’s stance, with the chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried, highlighting Miami-Dade County as a stronghold of support for “Obamacare” and warning of the potential impact of Trump’s anti-healthcare agenda.

According to a KFF poll conducted in May 2023, a majority of Americans (59%) hold a favorable opinion of the Affordable Care Act. Among Hispanics, this support is even stronger, with 66% expressing a favorable view of the law.

Another survey, APVoteCast, which captures a wide range of U.S. voters’ opinions, reveals that a significant proportion of Florida voters believe that the federal government should ensure healthcare coverage for all citizens. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Latino or Hispanic voters, with 77% supporting government responsibility for healthcare coverage.

One individual benefiting from the ACA is Zulina Ruiz, a retired lawyer from Venezuela who arrived in the U.S. in 2017. She emphasized the importance of the program in providing access to essential medications for her high blood pressure. Ruiz, now a U.S. citizen, remains undecided about her vote in the upcoming election but stressed the significance of health policy in her decision-making process.

While Republicans have gained support in Miami, in part due to Trump’s stance against socialist leaders in Latin America, Ruiz’s experience underscores the enduring importance of healthcare policy to the local population.

The Biden campaign has launched advertising campaigns in battleground states highlighting his efforts to reduce drug costs in contrast to Trump’s renewed commitment to repeal the ACA. Notably, Florida was not included in this ad campaign.

Arevalo, one of the “Obamacare godmothers,” believes that voters in Miami may not necessarily endorse all the positions of the candidates they ultimately support. However, she underscores the vital importance of ensuring access to health insurance for all residents of Miami, regardless of political affiliations.

“When Trump was elected, some people came and said they wanted nothing to do with Obamacare. We said ‘Obamacare, Trumpcare, whatever,'” she remarked, emphasizing the fundamental goal of providing everyone with access to health insurance and the ability to care for their health.

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• [AP Article on Obamacare and Miami](insert link here)
• [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Healthcare Enrollment Data](insert link here)
• [The Miami Herald Editorial on Trump’s Healthcare Plans](insert link here)
• [Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Poll on the Affordable Care Act](insert link here)
• [APVoteCast Survey on Healthcare Views in Florida](insert link here)